A review by illiterateliz
The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue

challenging emotional informative sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I bought this book yesterday evening, an impulsive buy but one I dont regret, and I finished this morning. I simply couldn't put the book down even when it made me cry! I usually don't read this kind of book but it bewitched me. The characters felt so real, their pain, their laughter, everything! I felt like I could see them in front of me as real human beings. Even minor characters like Tim (my heart ached for him). The story was beautiful and their discussions about life even more so. This book however can be quite graphic so I'd suggest that only those who think they can take graphic depictions of birth/death, mentions of abuse/suicide/sexual abuse etc read it. 

When I picked up this book I never imagine it would have the aspect or romance and let alone queer romance and honestly I was so happy it did! I almost cried when I realized how Julia felt about the beloved red head, I only wish they had more time even if it were a day! The scene of the roof made me so happy that I couldn't stop smiling! I just wish there was more this story, a few more pages and maybe a different ending for Bridie. Even though I was disappointed I understood it 100%. 

The only problem I had was with the dialogue and how it didnt really have any classic indication that it was dialogue (ex "hey" -hey etc) I'm bilingual so it made it difficult for me to read and I'm sure it would difficult for others as well. 

Bonus points: The book cover is absolutely STUNNING and the title just makes me cry now that I understand it with the context of the book.
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